Small scale shrimp dragnets in Andhra Pradesh: Fishery performance and impact assessment

Indira Divipala; MANAS H M; Gouri Sankara Rao K; Muktha Menon; Srinivasa Rao Kodi; Nagaraju P; V. Subba Rao; Satishkumar Mamidi; Jasmin F; Pralaya Ranjan Behera; Venkateswarlu V; Joe K Kizhakudan

doi:10.21077/

Authors

Indira Divipala ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1972-9574
Manas H M ICAR-CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUE, BPost Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O. Kochi-682 018 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4960-4916
K. Gouri Sankara Rao ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Muktha M. ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9800-0433
Srinivasa Rao Kodi ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Nagaraju P ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
V. Subba Rao ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Satishkumar Mamidi ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Jasmin F
P R Behera ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7363-2322
Venkateswarlu V ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Joe K Kizhakudan ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4400-8552

https://doi.org/10.21077/

Keywords:

Artisanal Fishery, Penaeid Shrimp, Bycatch Assessment, Coastal Ecosystem Impact, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Small-scale shrimp dragnet (Royyala vala) fishery has emerged as a significant artisanal fishery targeting Metapenaeus dobsoni (Miers, 1878) in the nearshore waters of Andhra Pradesh. This study assessed dragnet operations across three coastal districts from June to August 2025 through structured fisher interviews, catch sampling, and biological studies to understand both fishery performance and ecological implications. Distinct regional patterns emerged, with Vizianagaram recording the highest catch per unit effort (CPUE, 0.08 t boat⁻¹ day⁻¹) during the south-west monsoon season, whereas year-round operations of the Prakasam District yielded lower rates (0.04 t boat⁻¹ day⁻¹), indicating continuous exploitation pressure without seasonal recovery. Biological observations revealed growth parameters consistent with reported values for the species, including a growth exponent (b) of 2.9, indicating near-isometric growth, and a mean condition factor (Fulton's K) of approximately 1.2. A substantial proportion of captured females were in advanced maturation or ripe stages at the time of capture, raising concerns that the sustained removal of pre-spawning individuals may affect future recruitment if the fishery is not managed. The bycatch of juvenile finfish and nontarget species, combined with benthic habitat disturbance from bottom-contact gear operations, may have adverse effects on the ecosystem. The declining CPUE trend from north to south, coupled with fisher-reported declines in recent years, indicates emerging resource stress. Management interventions are needed, including mesh size regulations (minimum 16–18 mm codend mesh), seasonal closures aligned with spawning cycles, and spatial restrictions near nursery areas. Community-based comanagement is essential for compliance and long-term viability. This first comprehensive assessment of the shrimp dragnet fishery of Andhra Pradesh revealed both its socioeconomic importance and the urgent need for balanced management to safeguard M. dobsoni resources as well as coastal ecosystems.

Keywords: Artisanal fishery, Catch per unit effort (CPUE), Metapenaeus dobsoni, Penaeid shrimp, Near-shore fishing

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Author Biographies

Indira Divipala, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Senior Scientist, SFD, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI, ICAR-CMFRI
Manas H M, ICAR-CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUE, BPost Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O. Kochi-682 018

Senior Scientist, FFD, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
K. Gouri Sankara Rao, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Senior Technical Officer, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Muktha M., ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Senior Scientist, FFD, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Srinivasa Rao Kodi, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

TO, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Nagaraju P, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

TO, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
V. Subba Rao, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

TO, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Satishkumar Mamidi, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

TO, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Jasmin F

Senior Scientist, SFD, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
P R Behera, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Senior Scientist, MBEMD, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Venkateswarlu V, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI
Joe K Kizhakudan, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Principal Scientist & Head, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI

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